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Killer whale behavior is highly influenced by its prey selection. By studying the foraging behavior of different populations, scientists can collect vital information that can help to protect them.

Scientists have very little information about the population or feeding patterns of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Iceland. These animals play an important role in ecosystems – as top predators, they can change the populations of prey species, which in turn affects the rest of the food chain. These interactions are known as trophic cascades and have the potential to reshape the environment.

Killer whale populations can vary considerably in terms of their feeding strategies, and they adapt these behaviors based on which prey are available. Some populations, for example, feed primarily on herring, while others feed on multiple species, including marine mammals such as whales and dolphins. Prey selection influences killer whale behavior, such as the way they form social groups, interactions between different animals, and their communication systems. Furthermore, dependence on a particular prey species, whose populations may fluctuate throughout the years, can impact the survival of killer whale populations.

By recording observations of killer whales and collecting small samples of skin and blubber to assess their diets, it will not only be possible to understand the potential threats to this species, it will help scientists to protect them.

Duration

Lead scientists

Accommodation and food

Why the research is important

Why the research is important

This is the first long-term study to look at the diet of killer whales in Iceland as an indicator of their overall health and survival.

Killer whales face a number of threats, including climate change, pollution, and competition with fisheries. To better understand the vulnerability of killer whales in Iceland, scientists need data on their diet and behavior.

The data collected will enable scientists to quantify the level of pollutants in killer whales’ bodies, understand their diets, and record their genetic material.

In the 1960s, the population of herring in the Northeast Atlantic (Iceland and Norway) nearly collapsed, largely due to overfishing. At the time, there was rising conflict between fishermen and killer whale populations that were feeding on herring and were reportedly harming fishermen’s nets. Today, the herring stock is managed carefully by the Icelandic government, and there is little competition between populations of killer whales feeding on herring and commercial fishermen whose livelihoods depend on it.

However, killer whales face other threats that are connected to their diet. For example, killer whales that feed on marine mammals or cod – species that are higher up on the food chain – are likely to consume higher levels of pollutants, which can affect their reproductive rates and the survival of their calves.

This is the first study in Iceland to assess the diet of killer whale populations in an effort to understand potential threats to the species. Data will be collected through observations of the type of prey different whales are feeding on, as well as through the collection of small samples of skin and blubber. These data enable scientists to quantify the level of pollutants in killer whales’ bodies, understand their diets, and record their genetic material.

By understanding threats to populations of killer whales, scientists can help to establish policies to better protect these animals.

About the research area

Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland, Iceland, Europe & Russia

The project takes place in Vestmannaeyjar in the Westman islands, an archipelago in the south of Iceland. Due to a volcanic eruption in 1973, a large part of the island is composed of a lava field and its volcano, providing a breathtaking landscape. The island is also a wildlife haven. The most iconic symbol of the islands is the puffin, but other commonly seen seabirds are guillemots, gannets, kittiwakes, and Icelandic gulls. There are also many species of marine mammals in the surrounding waters, including pilot, minke, and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and seals. The primary livelihoods of the island’s inhabitants are fishing and tourism (in the summer months).

Daily life in the field

Itinerary

This is a summary:

Day 1: Meet, travel to field site

Day 2-11: Includes:

Killer whale surveys by land

Behavioral observations by boat

Prepare for and process biopsy samples

Day 12: Departure

When you arrive, the researchers will conduct an orientation and brief you on the work you’ll be doing. Field work will begin on the second day, where you will be involved with both land and boat work. Note that boat work will depend on weather. On good weather days, a third of the volunteers will be on the water while the others will be on land conducting surveys and analyzing data. Specific activities include:

Widescan surveys for killer whales: You will use binoculars on land to search for the presence of killer whales in the study area.

Behavioral observations: On boats, you will help scientists to track and record the behavior of individual killer whales.

Preparation for and processing of biopsy samples: You will help scientists to collect small skin and blubber samples from killer whales to record their diet, pollutant levels, and genetic material.

In the evenings, you’ll head back to the field station for dinner, an informal talk by the researchers, and time to relax.

Note: Field conditions and research needs can lead to changes in the itinerary and activities. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

ACTIVITY LEVEL

MODERATE

On boats, you will help scientists to track and record the behavior of individual killer whales.

The Scientists

MEET THE LEAD SCIENTIST

Filipa

Samarra

Lead Investigator of the Icelandic Orca Project

ABOUT Filipa Samarra

Dr. Filipa Samarra is the Lead Investigator of the Icelandic Orca Project. Filipa has spent years studying killer whales and is excited to harness the power of citizen science to collect large quantities of data that will help to better understand and ultimately protect this important apex predator.

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Dormitory-style rooms in a house at the field station;

Collaborative cooking

You will be staying with the field staff in a house situated at the field station. The house has electricity, heating, internet access, conventional toilets, and hot water. Rooms will be dormitory-style single-gender rooms with bunk beds. All volunteers and staff will be involved with cooking meals at the field station. Lunches will be packed and usually consist of sandwiches. Dietary requirements can be accommodated.

“" ...on the shoulders of giants "”

As our small plane banked and landed gently , between two hobbit sized volcanoes I knew that a beautiful adventure was about to begin. Straight away we were swept up by the spirited , playful and highly professional research team , expertly trained , caringly protected and made safe , and then blown away by their passionate dedication to their research and profound knowledge of cetaceans ; indeed all aspects of the nature around them. Their love of the natural world around them was infectious. The team authentically involved us in their data collection from the start , we felt that our data was important and useful to their work.

There was a lovely pace to our days beginning with the Weather Report over breakfast and dependent on this was how the day unfolded. If the winds were fair you were either heading for the rib boat ( to head out for close up study of Orca) or the stunning land station to try and locate them from shore. On rough days there was data analysis ...imagine listening to the mysterious conversations of the Orca you met up close with the day before or identifying who was whom from their 'Viking Rune ' like scars. Patience for sure is required , but whilst waiting for the great moments such as the roar of the Orca leaping up and blowing beside you , cutely spy hopping the boat and tail slapping or experiencing the building high blow of a Blue Whale and its body rising as peacefully as the moon in front of you ... you can take time to enjoy the flight of the Puffins , the melting of marshmallows in the volcanic vents , the Aurora rippling at midnight above the volcanoes ( August) and the moving story of the spirited people of the island during the 1973 Volcanic eruption. What a truly inspiring place! But even more than all this it is the inspiring scientific research that is going on and how it is openly shared amongst an intimate community of global scientists with a common purpose of marine conservation for these giants of the deep ... "If I have seen further it is only because I have stood on the shoulders of giants " Newton. Giant creatures being explored by a small band of giant thinkers who build on each other's discoveries.

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Chantel Reynolds|9/5/2017

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While the weather didn't always cooperate for the boat work, we did see orca every time we went out. That's not guaranteed of course, so it makes the sightings all the more special. We were also lucky enough to see a blue whale, and for some of the researchers, this was their first time ever as well.

The work is well-organized, and if the wind cooperates, there's opportunity to be on the water every day for each team. The land observation point is beautiful, and the office work is interesting and engrossing. The town is also worth exploring, and there is opportunity every day to do a little wandering and hiking. We also saw the aurora at least twice--extremely rare in August. The staff took good care of us, and we had some lively dinners with amazing food. I would highly recommend this expedition.

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John Kristianson|8/14/2017

“A great opportunity to Help Cetaceans”

This is a great opportunity to see Orca Whales in their natural environment. It is also a great opportunity to experience a wonderful place, Iceland, and the Icelandic people. You will learn a lot about Cetaceans and the interaction of the whales with their environment. You will never look at an Orca Whale the same again.

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Warren Stortroen|7/31/2017

“Adventures with the Killer Whales on Vestmannaeyjar in Iceland”

This was my 98th Earthwatch expedition and I'm age 85, so I was a little apprehensive about doing some of the tasks, but the research staff was very helpful with all aspects of the project. I had two great outings on the boat working with the spectacular killer whales and was able to get some good photos. The shore station gave us beautiful views, and I managed to spot a Minke Whale surfacing close to shore. We had a wonderful group of volunteers and great research staff to work with in the field and photo matching in the office!

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Pam Roberts|7/10/2017

“"The research team is amazing and will make you feel welcome and help you learn"”

This is an outstanding trip where you get the chance to be fairly close to orcas and understand their behavior. The research team is amazing and will make you feel welcome and help you learn. Filipa who is the leader is a great teacher and knows the whales and their behavior. You may have the chance to see orcas interact with other whales as I did when 200 pilot whales seemed to give chase to an orca pod. Be prepared for cold weather and rough seas and days spent in the office or on land looking for whales as that is part of the research.